A casino is a facility that houses different gambling games. It may have extras like restaurants, free drinks and stage shows to attract patrons but the core business is still gambling. Casinos draw billions of dollars in profits each year for the companies, investors, and Native American tribes that own them. Local governments also reap benefits from the tax revenue they generate.

Security is a key part of any casino operation. Casinos use surveillance cameras to keep an eye on the floor and patrons. They also use elaborate systems to supervise the actual game play: for example, betting chips with built-in microcircuitry interact with electronic tables to track the amount of money wagered minute by minute; roulette wheels are electronically monitored for any statistical deviation from their expected results; and slot machines pay out money based on preprogrammed combinations of symbols.

Gambling has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. It can be a thrilling and social activity as well as an addictive and devastating habit. The precise origin of gambling is unclear, but it probably began as a way for people to exchange goods and services.

Throughout history, gambling has become more sophisticated. In modern times, the casino industry has developed rapidly. Large cities such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Chicago have the largest concentration of casinos. The industry is expanding into states where it was previously illegal, and Native American tribes have opened casinos in many places.